MICK McCarthy today predicted Sunday's testing trip to Leeds will offer a real acid test of how far Wolves have come in his six weeks at the helm.

Although clearly delighted at a start which has yielded 10 points from five games, not least given how quickly McCarthy had to hit the ground running when taking the job, the manager admits Leeds is the first real Championship biggie Wolves will have had to tackle.

And a televised lunchtime kick-off at Leeds is just the sort of occasion to sort the wheat from the chaff.

"Leeds will be fired up on Sunday but then again so will we," said McCarthy.

"We finished on a high with a win against Luton so there's no reason why we shouldn't go to Leeds with a lot of confidence.

"We certainly won't just sit back and let Leeds take the game to us.

"No disrespect to anyone that we've played so far, and make no mistake we've had some tough games, but this one is going to test us that little bit more.

"You always look at it and think that these are the big teams, the likes of Leeds, Southampton, West Brom, Birmingham, Coventry and Sunderland.

"When you think of the resources Leeds have had, and having got to the play-offs last year, going up to Elland Road is not easy."

If the early season evidence is anything to go by then Sunday's lunchtime showdown will not be graced with a goal deluge.

Five of Leeds' six games so far this season have finished 1-0 - three wins and two defeats - while Wolves' three victories to date have also been by the solitary goal scoreline.

That, however, is unlikely to deter Leeds striker David Healy, who will undoubtedly return to club duties on the crest of a wave after notching a hat-trick in Northern Ireland's impressive midweek win against Spain.

Wolves defender Keith Lowe has joined Cheltenham on a month's loan, linking up with former Wolves assistant John Ward and coach Keith Downing.

Lowe, who never got off the bench during his previous month's loan with Brighton, has also been given permission to play in the Carling Cup Second Round tie with Albion on September 19.